Full-Service Design to Installation
Sol Scapes is more than a landscape construction company — we're your partner from initial concept through final installation. Our process starts with understanding how you use your outdoor space, what you want it to look and feel like, and what your budget allows. From there, we create a cohesive design that integrates hardscaping, softscaping, lighting, and irrigation into a unified plan that transforms your property.
Unlike companies that only install or only design, Sol Scapes handles both. That means your design is practical and buildable from day one — no surprises during construction, no design elements that don't work in the real world. Our crews build what we design, so the finished project matches the vision.
Water-Wise Landscaping & Xeriscaping
Utah is the second-driest state in the nation, and water-wise landscaping isn't just a trend — it's a necessity. Sol Scapes specializes in xeriscaping: landscape design that dramatically reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental irrigation while still creating beautiful, inviting outdoor spaces.
Xeriscaping doesn't mean a yard full of rocks and cacti. Done right, it means thoughtfully selected plants that thrive in Utah's climate — native grasses, drought-tolerant perennials, ornamental shrubs, and flowering species that provide year-round color and texture without demanding constant watering. Combined with efficient drip irrigation, proper mulching, and strategic use of artificial turf, a xeriscape design can reduce your outdoor water use by 50–75%.
Key elements of our water-wise landscape designs:
- Drought-tolerant plant selection — We choose plants rated for USDA zones 5–7 (Utah's range) that are proven to thrive with minimal supplemental water once established. Species like Russian sage, lavender, ornamental grasses, Utah juniper, and Gambel oak are both beautiful and resilient.
- Efficient irrigation — Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots with 90%+ efficiency, compared to 50–60% for traditional sprinkler systems. We design zone-based irrigation that groups plants by water needs and adjusts automatically for seasonal conditions.
- Mulch and ground cover — 3–4 inches of organic mulch or decorative rock mulch reduces evaporation by up to 70%, suppresses weeds, and insulates plant roots from Utah's temperature extremes.
- Soil amendment — Utah's clay-heavy soils hold water at the surface instead of letting it reach roots. We amend soils with compost and organic material to improve drainage and root penetration, so less water does more work.
Lawn-to-Turf Conversions
One of our most popular services is converting natural grass lawns to artificial turf or xeriscape designs. With Utah water districts offering rebates of up to $3 per square foot for grass removal, and monthly water bills dropping by $50–$100+ after conversion, lawn replacement pays for itself while giving you a better-looking yard.
Sol Scapes handles the entire conversion process: removing the existing lawn and sprinkler system, re-grading the area, installing new base material, and laying either premium artificial turf or a designed xeriscape with drip irrigation. We coordinate the water district rebate paperwork so you get every dollar you're entitled to.
Grading & Drainage Solutions
Proper grading and drainage is the foundation of every successful landscape project in Utah. Without it, water pools against foundations, drowns plants, erodes soil, and creates ice hazards in winter. Sol Scapes evaluates drainage patterns on every project and implements solutions that move water safely and efficiently:
- Finish grading — We grade all surfaces to slope away from structures at a minimum of 2% grade, ensuring snowmelt and rain runoff moves away from your foundation.
- French drains — Perforated pipe wrapped in filter fabric and buried in gravel trenches intercepts subsurface water and redirects it to safe discharge points. Essential for properties with high water tables or clay soils.
- Channel drains — Surface-mounted channel drains collect water from patios, driveways, and walkways and route it to the storm system or dry wells.
- Dry creek beds — Functional and decorative, dry creek beds channel surface water runoff through natural-looking rock channels. They manage water during storms and serve as attractive landscape features when dry.
- Catch basins and pop-up emitters — Strategic collection points connected to underground pipe systems capture water from low spots and gutters, then discharge it at safe locations away from structures.
Planting Plans & Softscaping
The right plants in the right places transform a hardscape from functional to stunning. Sol Scapes creates detailed planting plans that consider sun exposure, soil conditions, mature plant size, seasonal color, and maintenance requirements. Our planting services include:
- Trees — shade trees, ornamental trees, evergreens, and fruit trees suited to Utah's zones
- Shrubs — foundation plantings, privacy hedges, and accent shrubs
- Perennials — flowering plants that return year after year
- Ornamental grasses — low-water, high-impact plants that add movement and texture
- Ground covers — spreading plants that fill spaces between stepping stones and borders
Rock, Mulch & Ground Cover
Sol Scapes installs a wide range of rock and mulch products to complete your landscape design:
- Decorative rock — Utah has access to some of the best decorative rock in the country. We install everything from 3/4-inch crushed rock to 3-inch cobble, river rock, Mexican beach pebble, and lava rock in dozens of color options.
- Boulders — Accent boulders and boulder groupings add natural focal points to xeriscape designs. We source boulders from Utah quarries and place them with equipment for the most natural look.
- Bark mulch — Organic bark mulch in planting beds improves soil health, retains moisture, and gives a finished look. We use shredded bark, medium bark, and gorilla hair depending on the application.
- Weed fabric — Professional-grade weed barrier installed beneath all rock and mulch areas prevents weed growth while allowing water to pass through to the soil below.
Irrigation Design & Installation
Every landscape Sol Scapes installs includes a properly designed irrigation system matched to the planting plan. We install smart controllers, drip zones for planting beds, rotary heads for turf areas, and rain/freeze sensors that prevent watering during precipitation or freezing temperatures. Our systems are designed to comply with Utah's watering restrictions and minimize waste while keeping your landscape healthy and thriving.